Once dependent on sugar exports, the island has built up a strong outsourcing and financial services sector, as well as an important tourism industry, and now boasts one of Africa's highest per capita incomes.

Mauritius claims sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, in a dispute with Britain that saw hundreds of islanders deported to make way for a US military base on the island of Diego Garcia in the 1960s.

In recent times, Mauritius has gained a wide popularity. Other than beauty, Mauritius is famous for its hospitality and its artificial handicrafts. The country is a cluster of beaches and islands, and thus offers lots of adventurous activities. Things to do in Mauritius include walk on the sand, dive into the deep water and explore new species of aquatic animals and then after being tired, eat some new varieties of really delicious seafood, and much more.